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BBC responds to reports Michael Jackson songs have been banned from their playlists

It comes after new claims emerged about the star

The BBC has ‘dropped’ Michael Jackson’s music from Radio 2, according to a newspaper report.

The Sunday Times claims tracks by the iconic pop performer are no longer being played by the station – but the Beeb has insisted they don’t “ban artists”.

However, the newspaper reports bosses decided last week the King of Pop’s back catalogue will no longer make it onto the air.

It comes as documentary Leaving Neverland uncovers claims Jackson sexually abused two boys aged seven and ten.

Neverland (Credit: Channel 4 YouTube)
Jackson’s ‘Neverland’ ranch (Credit: Channel 4 YouTube)

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The two-parter is due to be broadcast on Channel 4 this Wednesday and Thursday.

A representative for the BBC denied Jacko had been excluded from radio play.

“We consider each piece of music on its own merits and decisions about what we play on different network are always made with relevant audiences and context in mind,” The Sun’s website was told.

“We don’t ban songs or artists and Michael Jackson could be played on BBC Radio.”

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Wade Robson, now 36, and James Safechuck, aged 41, have claimed in interviews that Jackson molested them on numerous occasions.

Comedian Matt Lucas was forced to call police after coming in for a barrage of abuse on Twitter after tweeting his thoughts on the film, having watched a preview last week.

Matt, who received a death threat for making his conclusion, said: “After four heartbreaking hours, you don’t doubt them for a moment. Michael Jackson can rot.”

Jackson died in 2009, aged 50. His estate has dismissed the allegations as an attempt to cash in on the singer.

Poster

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer